Photographic reproduction apparatus



Sept. 16, 1941.

Fig. l

J. B. TUPPER 2,256,064

PHOTOGRAP HIC REPRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed June 8, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTQR JO HN 5, TUPPER 7 72%;. Dm M";

ATTORNEYS Sept 16, 1941. J. B. TUPPER 2,256,064

PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed June 8, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig.3 Fig.4

INVENTOR JOHN 5. Tu PPER BY 24w. 'Dm WM flu ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 16, 1941 PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTION APPARATUS John B. Tupper, Upper Montclair, N. J. Application June 8, 1940, Serial No. 839,417

' 7 Claims. (01. 95-73) This invention relates to a new and improved photographic printing apparatus of the character employed for making photographic prints by refiex reproduction methods. In such apparatus a sheet of sensitized photographic paper and an object to be reproduced (such, for example, as a written or printed page) are mounted in a frame, and the frame with the sensitized paper and object therein is exposed to a delimited illuminated field. The invention contemplates the-provision of improved means providing for illuminating the field of exposure, comprising a first set of ,lamp receptacles suitably connected in a negative reproduction circuit within the limits of said field, lamps for illuminating said field with light rays in the vicinity of the yellow portion of the spectrum mounted in said lamp receptacles, a second set of lamp receptacles suitably connected in a positive reproduction circuit also within the limits of said field, and lamps for illuminating said field with light rays in the vicinity of the blue portion of the spectrum mounted in said second set of receptacles. Each set of the receptacles with lamps therein is so arranged as to illuminate the same delimited field of exposure to which the frame with photographic paper and object to be reproduced mounted therein is exposed for photographic reproduction. Separate switch control means are provided for the negaproduction circuit, whereby the lamps giving off light rays in the vicinity of the yellow,portion of the spectrum only may be energized to illuminate the delimited field of exposure when a Y photographic negative is to be reproduced from negative as well as positive prints, particularly by the reflex method of photographic printing.

In reproducing a negative from an object by reflex reproduction methods it is important to avoid the use of actinic light rays of too great intensity. If the light used is too strongly actinic,

the negative lacks contrast. If only moderately actinic light rays in the vicinity of the yellow portion of the spectrum, such as amber, yellow,

green, or orange light rays, are used, this dimculty isobviated and the resulting reflex negative hasadequate contrast.

However, light rays in the vicinity of the yellow portion of the spectrum are unsatisfactory in reproducing a positive from a negative. It is therefore advantageous to use a source of light, such as white, blue or violet lamps, capable of producing strongly actinic light rays in the vicinity of the blue portion of the spectrum when tive repreductioncircuit andfor the p ositive re reproducing a positive from anegative.

The present invention provides improved photographic reproduction apparatus, embodying the novel means described above for illumination of the exposure field, by means of which clear, sharp negatives of adequate contrast can be made from objects, and clear, sharp positives can be made from such negatives, by exposure in each case of sensitized paper to light of the proper actinic intensity.

The invention will be better understood from the following description, considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective of the complete apparatus with part of the cabinet cut away;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic drawing showing the relation of the object to be reproduced and the sensitized paper to the parts of the apparatus;

Fig. 3 is a plan showing the arrangement of incandescent lamps in one form of apparatus;

Figs. 4 and 5 are plans showing modified arrangements of incandescent lamps; and

' Fig. Bis a 'plan sho w;n g an arrangement of tubular lamps.

The complete apparatus comprises a cabinet l0 having a cover I I. The cover II is hingedly mounted on the cabinet l0 so that it may be 7 closed or opened.

The inner underface of the cover H is lined with a rubber mat I! having a face I: composed of a series of tiny pyramidal projections with air channels therebetween.

The perimeter of the cover H is outlined on the underside thereof with a projecting soft rubber edging H. The soft rubber edging It is adapted to form an air-tight seal between the cover H and the cabinet II when the former is closed.

A sheet of plate glass l5 forms the top of the cabinet II and provides a smooth surface of transparent or translucent material upon which objects to be reproduced may be placed in contact with sensitized paper. The smoothness of the glass aids in forming an airtight joint between the cover and the cabinet if the soft rubber edging ll presses upon and flattens out against the glass.

A small tube ll leadsfrom the cover II and is connected to suitable vacuum creating means' In a preferred embodiment of the invention such as a pump II. when the cover H is closed the lamps 2| in the first set of receptacles are and the vacuum pump it set in' operation, air incandescent lamps'giving ofl substantially amber is sucked from the space enclosed between the colored light, while the lamps 23 in the second set rubber mat l2 and the plate of glass IS. The 5 of receptacles are incandescent lamps giving oii air channels between the pyramidal projections substantially white light. As stated above, lamps permit air to be withdrawn from under the giving oil a light whose color is in the vicinity of entire surface of the m t. In this manner a the yellow por on of the spectru such as uniform pressure is applied for pressing an obo y ll w, green, y be used in f ject to be reproduced into tight contact with a lo amber. Instead of substantially Wh te li sheet of sensitized paper when the two are in mps giving on a li h whose color is in the position between the rubber mat is and the vicinity of e e p n o the spe ru su h plate of glass i5. as blue-or violet may be used.

The above-described means for employing vac- The color of the lights may be produced in hunt to secure close contact between the object 15 difiel'ent W y t Preferred im n to be reproduced and the sensitized paper i incandescent colored glasslamps rated at about efiective and convenient to use, but it is under- 40 Watts are used- B the am efiect y b stood that the invention is ot limit d t thi obtained by covering or coating clear glass lamps structure, and that-any other suitable means ior w a coloring material Substance, by h securing proper contact between the photoso use of suitable gas discharge l pgraphic paper and the object may be Elliplgyed, Since the amber light is not as bright as the Beneath the plate glass 55' and in a, parallel White light, it is advantageous to arrange the plane is a sheet or opal or other light-difiusirlg lamps p du e a be co o ed l ht so that 1 glass is. 11 d ir d th opal glass is may b the portions of the exposure field most dificult "omittedanda'singlefleet ciplateglass havin 25 o illuminate may obtain a sumciency of amber an'opal flashing or other difiusing layer formed l There are course a y P05511318 hfonite und r rfa m b d i t iti rangements oi the lamp receptacles of each set or the plateg'lass is r, i om cases! opal diffugwith their respective lamps, but it has been found mgmaybe nminated altogether, mostadvantageous to arrange the receptacles Below this sheet of opal glass it is a base 55 so according to a general scheme. This general adapted to receive lamp receptacles and lamps Scheme comprises disposing the p ptac for illuminating the delimit d, generally r om. at of the first set on the lamp base adjacent the gular held of exposure defined by'the plate glass corners of the held of exposure and about the i5. A first set of lamp receptacles '26 connected marginal .lml' here f- The second Set 0! in a negative reproduction circuit is disposed on 35 p receptacles 2? are disposed on the base the lamp base adjacent the corners of the field abo e a i al portions of t e exposure nd along the side edge portions thereof. Lamps field with a receptacle oi the second set post; 2i-ior illuminating-the exposure field with light i ed be we n each adjacent pair of al rays in the vicinity of the yellow portion 0! the tables of h first spectrum are mounted in these rece tacles 20. 4c ec pta es o the fir t set are ou Amber colored lamps are generally preferred for vfl ta eoll'sly positioned on the base adlflcent t e this purpose. corners of the exposure field because the corner A second set of lamp receptacles 22 connected Portion is hardest to il umin p op ly- Th in. a positive reproduction circuit are disposed on lamp receptacles of both sets are arran d in a the base is along the same side edge portions or 5' row on the base is about the marginal portionsv the exposure field. Each receptacle 22 of th of the exposure field, with lamp receptacles of the second set is positioned between an adjacent pair fir t set arranged alternately wit l p r pof receptacles 2| oi! the first set, V o drin the lamp'recepaacles/ii-of thesecond 'set are lamps toward the center more rea dily mm" the 23 for illuminating the exposure field with light 59 81665- ray in the vicinity or the blue portion or the e ot p o la ps 26 a us y placed g- Imps giving 3 wmt t'mnear the center of the lamp receptacle base adsir-able for this pur ose, jacent the center portion of the exposure field.

The lamp receptacles 20 of the first set are Ill an apparatus r Printing large obje i controlled by a switch 24, and the lamp recep- 53 which there would of necessity be a relatively tacles- 22 of the second set are controlled by a large Plate (if-glass l5 forming the the separate switch 25. This nable the a b cabinet l0, itmaybe necessary to have more lamps 2| in the first set of receptacles alone to light to prop rly uminate the e p fi be lighted to illuminate the field of exposure than can be S pp ed y he s n 'O lamps when a' negative is to be reproduced from an a about the marginal portions of the exposure field. object. Conversely,-the white lamps 23 m th In such case it has been found to be advantasecond set of lamp receptacles 22 alone may be geous to arrange-the lamp receptacles accordlighted when a positive is to be reproduced from ing to the general scheme and adding additional 9. negative. I rows, as shown inFig. 3. The additional rows If desired, the switches 24 and 25 may bev of lamp receptacles extend from each lamp rearranged so that only one of the two sets of ceptacle of the first set positioned on one side of lamps may be turned on at one time. the exposure field to the corresponding lamp 0n the same lamp base I! may be positione receptacle of the first set positioned on the opporuby-colored pilot lamps 26 for convenience. in site side of the exposure field, .each additional operating the apparatus in the dark. The pilot m row of lamp receptacles comprising lamp receplamps 26' are usually located adjacent the center tacles or the first set arranged alternately with portion of the exposure field. The pilot lamps lamp receptacles oi the second set. lifpllot lamps are not in circuit with the other lamps, but 23 aredesired, space maybe provided for them rather are controlled by a separate pilot lamp by leaving out a few lamp receptacles in the row switch. t8 f am receptacles that passes through the tacleaeirthersecondselhas the light reflects in; rm.

center portion of the lamp receptacle base,

towards the center of the exposure field, rather.

than having them positioned in a straight line parallel to and adia'cent the marginal edge. The curve advantageously may be an arc whose point of furthest departure from the marginal edge is approximately midway between the marginal edge and the center of the exposure field.

Tubular lamps may also be used, arranged for example as shown in Fig. 6. In such event the lamp receptacles of the first set are disposed on the lamp base I9 adjacent two opposite corners of the exposure field and along two opposite sides thereof. The second set of lamp receptacles is disposed on the lamp'base along the same two opposite sides of the field of exposure, with a receptacle of the second set positioned between each adjacent pair of receptacles of the first set. In this manner the general scheme is followed in that parallel to and adjacent two opposite marginal portions extends a tubular lamp giving ofi' substantially amber colored light, and between these two. outermost lamps are a series of tubular lamps giving off substantially while light alternating with tubular lamps giving ofi substantially amber light.

In operation of the apparatus for making reflex photographic reproductions, (illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 2) the operator places a sheet of sensitized paper 21, with its sensitized surface usually facing up, on the plate glass I5.

On top of the sensitized paper the object 28 to be reproduced is placed face down. The cover H is then closed and the vacuum pump is put into operation. Air entrapped between the cover H and the plate of glass I5 is withdrawn through the tube 20 and the object 28 is forced by the pressure of the atmosphere into tight contact with the sensitized paper 21.

If a negative is to be reproduced from an object, the operator switches on the negative circuit of lamp receptacles 20, thus lighting the amber colored lamps and illuminating the exposure field with light in the vicinity of the yellow portion of the spectrum. 'If on the other hand a positive is to be reproduced from a negative, the operator switches .on the whitelamps, illuminating the exposure field with a substantial amount of light in the blue portion of the spectrum. In either case optimum lighting conditions are created for making the kind of print desired.

Although the lighting means of the invention has been described aboveand shown in the drawings with particular reference to its embodiment inga particular form of cabinet equipped with vacuum means -t0 secure close contact between the sensitized paper and the object, it is understood that the invention may equally well be embodied in a photographic reproduction apparatus of any other suitable form or construction:

I claim:

1. In photographic printing apparatus of the character in which asheet of sensitized photographic paper andan object to be reproduced are mounted in a frame, and the frame with the sensitized paper and object therein is exposed to a delimited illuminated field, a cabinet, a substantially smooth transparent member mounted at the top of said cabinet and defining the delimited exposure field, a lamp receptacle base mounted immediately beneath the transparent member, and improved means providing for illumination of said field which comprise a first set of lamp receptacles mounted on said receptacle base and suitably connected'in a negative reproduction circuit within the limits of said field, lamps for illuminating said field .with light rays in the vicinity of the yellow portion of the spectrum mounted in said lamp receptacles, a second set of lamp receptacles mounted on said receptacle base and suitably connected in a positive reproduction circuit also within the limits of said field, lamps for illuminating said field with light rays in the vicinity of the blue portion of the spectrum mounted in said second set of receptacles, each set of receptacles with lamps therein being so arranged as to illuminate the same delimited field to which the frame with photographic paper and object to be reproduced mounted therein is exposed for photographic reproduction, and separate switch control means for the negative reproduction circuit and for the positive reproduction circuit, whereby the lamps giving off light rays in the vicinity of the yellow portion of the spectrum only may be energized to illuminate the delimited field of exposure when a photographic negative is to be reproduced from an object, and the lamps giving 011 light rays in the vicinity of the blue portion of v the spectrum only may be energized to illumlnate said delimited field of exposure when a photographic positive is to be reproduced from anegative.

2.In photographic printing apparatus of the character in which a sheet of sensitized photographic paper and an object to be reproduced are mounted in a frame, and the frame with the sensitized paper and object therein is exposed to a delimitedilluminated field, a cabinet, a substantially smooth transparent member mounted 'at the top of said cabinet and defining the delimited exposure field, a lamp receptacle base mounted immediately beneath the transparent member, and improved means providing for illumination of said field which comprise a first set of lamp receptacles mounted on said receptacle base and suitably connected in a negative reproduction circuit within the limits of said field, lamps for-illuminating said field with sub stantially amber'colored light mounted in said lamp receptacle, 9. second set of lamp receptacles mounted on said receptacle base and suitably connected in a positive reproduction circuit also within the limits of said field, lamps for illuminating said field with substantially white light mounted in said second set of receptacles, each set of receptacles with lamps therein being so arranged as to illuminate the same delimited field to which .the framewith photographic paper and object to be reproduced mounted therein is exposed for photographic reproduction, and separate switch control means for the negative reproduction circuit and for the positive reproduction circuit whereby the lamps giving of! oil substantially white light only may be energized to illuminate said delimited field of exposure when a photographic positive is to be reproduceddrom a negative.

3. In photographic printing apparatus of the character described, a cabinet, a substantially smooth generally rectangular translucent plate mou ted at the top of said cabinet anddefining a de imited generally rectangular exposure field,

side edge portions of said field as the receptacles of the first set, with a receptacle, of said second set being positioned between each adjacent pair of receptacles of said first set, lamps for illuminating said delimited field of exposure with substantially white light mounted in the receptacles oi. said second set, and separate switch control means for the negative reproduc tion circuit and for the positive reproduction ,circuit, whereby the lamps giving oil? substantially amber colored light only may be energized to illuminate the delimited field of exposure when a photographic negative is to be repro-- duced from an object andthe lamps giving of! substantially white light only may be energized to illuminate said delimited field of exposurewhen a photographic positive is to be reproduced from a negative.

4. In photographic printing apparatusof the character described, a'cabinet, a substantially smooth generally rectangular translucent plate mounted at the top. of said cabinet and defining a delimited generally rectangular exposure field, a base for lamp receptacles mounted directly below said: transparent plate, a first set of lamp receptacles mounted on said base and connected in anegative reproduction circuit, re-

ceptacles of said first set being disposed on said base adjacent the corners of said delimited field of exposure and about the marginal portions thereof, incandescent lamps for illuminating said field with substantially amber colored light mounted in said receptacles, a second set of lamp receptacles connected in a positive reproduction circuit disposed on said base about the marginal portions of said field of exposure with a receptacle of said so ond set being positioned, between each adjacent air of receptacles of said first set, incandescent lampsfor illuminating said delimited field of exposure with substantially white light mounted in thereceptaclea of said second set, 'and separate switch control means for the negative reproduction circuit and for the positive reproduction circuit, whereby the lamps giving 011 substantially amber colored light only may be energized to illuminate the de limited field of exposure when a photographic negative is to be reproduced from a negative and the lamps giving ofi' substantially white light only may be energized to illuminate the delimited field of exposure when a photographic positive is to be reproduced irom'a negative. i

5. In photographic printing apparatus jof the 1 character described, a cabinet, a substantially- 75 7. In photographic printing apparatus, a boxsmooth generally rectangular translucent plate mounted atthe top of said cabinet and defining.

a rectangular relatively large delimited exposure field, a base forvlamp receptacles mounted directly below said transparent plate, a first set of lamp receptacles mounted on said base and connected in a negative reproduction circuit, receptacles of said first set being disposed onsaid base adjacent the corners of said delimited field ,of exposure and about the marginal portions thereof, a second set of lamp receptacles connected in a positive reproduction circuit disposed on said base about the marginal portions of said exposure field, with a receptacle or said second set being positioned between each adiacent pair of receptacles of said first set, rows of lamp receptacles extending from each lamp receptacle of the first set on one side of said exposure field to the corresponding lamp receptacle of the first set on the opposite side of said exposure field, said rows of lamp receptacles each comprising lamp receptacles of the first set arranged alternately with lamp receptacles of the second set, incandescent lamps for giving of! substantially amber colored light mounted in said first set of lamp receptacles, incandescent lamps for giving dfl? substantially white light mounted in said second set of lamp receptacles, switch control means for the lamp receptacles of the first set and separate switch control means for the lamp receptacles of the second set, whereby the lamps giving oil substantially amber colored light only may be energized to illuminate iii) the delimited field of exposure when a photographic negative is to be reproduced from an object and the lamps giving 01! substantially white light only may be energized to illuminate said delimited field of exposure when a photographic positive is to be reproduced from a negative.

6. In a photographic printing apparatus of the character described, a cabinet, a substantially smooth generally rectangular translucent plate mounted at the top of said cabinet and defining a delimited generally rectangular exposure field, a base for lamp receptacles mounted directly below said transparent plate, a first set of lamp receptacles connected in a negative reproduction circuit, receptacles of said first set being disposed on said base adjacent the corners of said delimited field of exposure and along two oppositelmarginal portions thereof, a second set of lamp receptacles connected in a positive reproduction circuit, receptacles of said second set being disposed on said base along said two opposite marginal portions'of thefield oi exposure with a receptacle of said second set being positioned between each adjacent pair or receptacles of the first set, tubular lamps emitting substantially amber colored light mounted in said first set of lamp receptacles, tubular lamps emitting substantially white light mounted in said second set of lamp receptacles, switch control means for the lamp receptacles .of the first set, and separate switch control means for the lamp receptacles of the second set, whereby the tubular lamps giving ofl substantially amber colored light only may be energized to illuminate the delimited field of exposure when a photographic negative is to be reproduced from an object,- and the tubular lamps giving on substantially white light only may be energi zed to llluminate said delimited field of exposure when a photographic positive is to be reproduced from a negative.

like cabinet, a light difiusing plate of glass forming, the top of said cabinet, a hinged cover so adapted as to hold sensitized paper and an object to be reproduced in contact with each other and with the plate of glass, a lamp base positioned beneath said glass plate, a first set of lamp receptacles mounted on said base and connected in a negative reproduction circuit, receptacles or said first set being disposed on said base adjacent the corners of said glass plate and about the marginal portions thereof. lamps for givin marginal portions of the glass plate with a receptacle of said second set being positioned between each adjacent pair of receptacles of said first set, lamps for giving ofli substantially white light mounted in the receptacles of the second set, and separate switch control means for the negative reproduction circuit and for the positive reproduction circuit, whereby the lamps giving off substantially amber colored light only may be energized to illuminate said glass plate when a photographic negative is to be reproduced from an object, and the lamps giving ofi substantially white light only may be energized to illuminate the glass plate when a photographic positive is to be reproduced from a negative.

JOHN B. TUPPER CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION." Patent No. 2,256,06h; September 16, 19m;

- JOHN B. TUPPER.

It is hereby certified that error appear; in the printedepeeification of the above mihibered patent requiring correction-as follows Page}, first column, line 55 for the word "while" read --wh1't e--; page )4, second celmnn,

line ho, claim 6, strike out the article "e" qrter -'-In and that the said Letters Patent should be ream} with this ciorrecgti oan"therein that the same may cenfom tqthe reeord of the case in the Patent Office; Signed. and 'aealed this 21st day of 0cteber, n. 19141.

fiepry Van Aradale'} (8 Y Acting Commissioner of Patents..

CERTIFICATE 0F coRhEcTIom Septembr 16, 19!;1." JOHN B. TUPPER.

Patent No. 2,256,061

' It' is hereby certified that e rror appeara in the printed apeification of thg above mi nibred patient requiring corredt-ion'as follows Page 5, first column, line 55, 1 or the word "while" road --whi't,e--; pageh, second cblumn,

lineho, claim 6, strike out the article1 "a"'gfter -'-In and that the said Letters Patent should. be ram; wit this 'chrre tion therun that the same may conroim tothe reord of the case in'the Patent Office. a r v si ed and 'sealed this 21st day of-Octqber, n. 191a.

pear; Van aradal e'f Seal) I Acting cpmmissionel of Patenta.. 

